Discover Hokitika

If you’re considering a hotel stay in Hokitika, the local activities offer practical pointers for planning: the town brings together a striking memorial, walking routes and guided history, as well as wildlife encounters, crafts and cycling. To decide which experiences you want to shape your stay, consider the kind of visit you have in mind: explore an easy town trail, choose a guided historical walk or set aside time for a cycling leg.

Memorials and industrial history

The Memorial Clock Tower stands in the middle of a roundabout at the intersection of Weld Street and Sewell Street in central Hokitika. It is a prominent landmark. It was built in 1902–1903 to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII, the dispatch of 130 men from Westland to the South African War, and four soldiers who died in the war.

The Westland Industrial Heritage Park offers a different perspective on history: it is a working museum and a family-friendly tourist attraction in Hokitika. Visitors can enjoy exhibits and experiences, as well as ongoing projects that restore Westland’s industrial history for public display. While the Memorial Clock Tower commemorates specific historical events, the park’s projects focus on Westland’s industrial past.

Wildlife and hands-on crafts

The National Kiwi Centre is in central Hokitika and offers close encounters with kiwis, tuatara, giant eels, crayfish and whitebait. It also has a catch-and-release pond where visitors can take part.

At Bonz n Stonz, you can learn carving techniques, design your own piece and take home a Pounamu souvenir you made yourself. Designing and carving your own piece is a hands-on focus that sets it apart from the wildlife encounters at the National Kiwi Centre.

Explore Hokitika on foot

The Hokitika Heritage Trail is an easy route through Hokitika Town. You can join it at the i-SITE, the museum or anywhere along the signposted trail.

Hokitika Historic Walking Tours offers guided historical walks in the setting of The Luminaries, led by experienced guides. Group tours are tailored to all ages and abilities; tours must be confirmed separately.

Glow-Worm Dell is on State Highway 6 at the northern entrance to Hokitika. It is within walking distance of town. The 50-metre path takes five minutes there and back. Check conditions for visiting at night separately.

Getting there and cycling

Air New Zealand operates daily flights between Hokitika and Christchurch.

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a 132-kilometre, four-day cycling route from Greymouth to Ross via Hokitika. For a shorter ride, the section from the Hokitika i-SITE to the Treetop Walk is clearly described: it is 15 kilometres long, has a difficulty rating of 2 and is considered easy; the stated time is about 1.5 hours each way. You can bring your own bike or hire one from local providers. There is a café at the end of the section. Check the current trail conditions before setting out. This lets you distinguish between the multi-day trail and a specific section with a stated duration each way.

Discover more destinations: Okarito, Whataroa, Kakapotahi, Kokatahi, Ross, Bruce Bay, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier

For the broader travel overview: Westland District.